Enhancing Livelihoods Development in China: From the 14th to the 15th Five-Year Plan

Du Yang*

Institute of Population and Labor Economics, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (IPLE-CASS)

Abstract: China’s people-centered development philosophy finds its clearest expression in ensuring and improving people’s livelihoods. This approach, which integrates livelihood improvements with national development, reflects the people-oriented essence of China’s development model. It also underscores the understanding that substantive progress in well-being is a gradual, long-term process. During the 14th Five-Year Plan (FYP) period, these priorities yielded tangible gains: employment in China continued to expand, job quality improved markedly, living standards rose steadily, common prosperity advanced on a solid foundation, and social security systems expanded coverage and increased benefits. Looking ahead to the 15th FYP period, China will intensify its focus on “investing in human capital,” driving high-quality and full employment, promoting high-quality population development, and further elevating the standards of social security and public services.

Keywords: Livelihood development; High-quality full employment; Human capital

JEL Classification Codes: J18; J24; H53

DOI: 10.19602/j.chinaeconomist.2026.02.05